Freecycling

Freecycling is a way to find new owners for items that you no longer want, or conversely, to find items you want that someone else is willing to give away. The Freecycle Network links up people with things they are willing to give away with people who want them. By reusing existing items rather than using resources and energy to create new items, the drain on the Earth's resources is lessened. Fewer items and less trash is also good for the environment.

Basically, you join through The Freecycle Network (link below). Different locales run with variations -- often via an e-mail list. Then you get messages that offer or request things. For instance, someone who just finished a remodeling project, might offer the extra building materials. Or, someone with a new baby might ask if anyone has a baby monitor or cradle they don't need any longer.